If the matrix is limestone and the fossil is silicified then an acid bath
might work.  Joe has prepared lots of fossils this way, and when he gets back
from the field he will give you more details if you like.  How do you tell if
the matrix is limestone ?  Get some acid - muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid)
from a paint/hardware store is good and put a few drops on the matrix.  If it
fizzes, it's limestone.  Your fossil is probably silicified if it is much
harder than the matrix (scratch each with a knife).  Scratch a fossil that
you don't care about.  Also the fossil won't fizz if it is silicified.  If
you are successful with these tests you may be able to put the rock in the
acid and dissolve the matrix away.  I'm not familiar with the exact steps for
success here, but I'll get Joe to give you more details.
If you don't have the above scenario you may not be able to get the fossil
out.  If you can get most of the matrix off, then using something like a
Dremel tool may help.
 
James M Cheshire wrote:
 
> Dear all who helped me with fossils, thanks. I was just about ready to
> give up on the Brachiopods!
> Now, a question. Does anyone know where John Bernard is? I ordered a
> specimen of P. reticulata from him a few weeks ago, and he said he'd send
> it, but so far I have not recieved the package. I e-mailed him asking if
> he had sent it, but that was 2 weeks ago, and he still has not responded.
> Where is he? Also, has anyone got any advice on how to remove fossils
> from their matrix without breaking them? I broke a nice lampshell the
> other day trying to remove it. Anyone have advice?
>
> Let Me Know,
> Kind Regards James
>
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